Alpha emitter radiation therapy

Definition of alpha emitter radiation therapy
National Cancer Institute

alpha emitter radiation therapy

(AL-fuh ee-MIH-ter RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee)
Therapy that uses a radioactive substance that gives off a type of high-energy radiation called an alpha-particle to kill cancer cells. The radioactive substance is injected into a vein, travels through the blood, and collects in certain tissues in the body, such as areas of bone with cancer. This type of radiation may cause less damage to nearby healthy tissue. Alpha emitter radiation therapy is used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to the bone, and it is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms